When your water heater begins to malfunction, it can make daily life difficult, from washing dishes with tepid water to chilly showers. The sooner you can detect the issue, the faster you can summon a plumber to repair or replace your unit. Here’s a guide to common symptoms, so you can quickly identify the problem. 

3 Clues There’s a Problem With Your Water Heater

1. Lukewarm Water

The most obvious sign that your water heater isn’t working is when you turn the faucet or shower dial to hot, and all you get is lukewarm or even cold water. Usually, it’s caused by a buildup of minerals in the tank. They can create a wall between the burner and the water that it’s trying to heat. To remedy the situation, you’ll need a plumber to flush the sediment. 

2. Leaking Unit

Your water heater should not be creating puddles on the floor. If you start noticing liquid pooling underneath, it means your unit has developed a leak. There could be internal corrosion or a small breakage caused by the intense heat. In either case, you may need to replace the unit if the damage is widespread. While small leaks may be repaired, rust and corrosion may not be easily removed. 

3. Unfamiliar Sounds

While your water heater may make some noise during operation, a serious of popping noises are the result of the burner heating trapped pockets of air that have formed within the mineral buildup. This is another case where you’ll need a plumber to flush out any of the sediment. 

 

If you notice an issue with your water heater, reach out to A+ Family Plumbing in Onalaska, WI. The family-owned and -operated company offers water heater repair or service whenever you need it with their 24/7 emergency plumbing services. They also offer drain and sewer cleaning to remove stubborn clogs, and their team can design and implement new construction plumbing. Learn more about their services by visiting their website. To request an estimate from the team, call (608) 783-5558.